2023-09-06 16:55:00
The structures will have to offer a better quality of childcare at a lower cost. But the reform might shake up the early childhood sector.
By Nicolas Guarinos
© PENNANT Franck / MAXPPP / PHOTOPQR/LA PROVENCE/MAXPPP
Published on
Lhe Minister of Solidarity, Aurore Bergé, met on Tuesday with the players in the early childhood sector. Representatives of the main trade unions of professionals and the main organizations of crèche companies were invited.
For the Minister, the challenge was twofold. First, defuse two bombs regarding to explode. Two investigative books with revelations announced as shattering are appearing these days, including The price of the cradle this Friday. Then, reaffirm to professionals in the sector that the government has taken into account their wage demands and their requests for improved working conditions.
READ ALSORationed meals, timed care… Private crèches pinned by a bookThe meeting did not result in any concrete announcements. But Aurore Bergé said she had entrusted the General Inspectorate of Social Affairs (Igas) and the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) with a mission to study the economic model of PAJE micro-crèches. The conclusions of this study, expected by the end of the year, might shake up the early childhood sector. Explanations.
What are PAJE micro-crèches?
There are two pricing methods among crèches: the single service provision (PSU) and the childcare service for young children (PAJE).
For crèches having chosen the PAJE, the price for families is set by the CAF according to the family quotient. These crèches represent approximately 420,000 of the 492,000 places in the French stock. They can be managed by the municipality, the department, a private company or even an association.
READ ALSOMontessori micro-nursery scam: the scammer pocketed millions of eurosPAJE pricing and the micro-nursery model appeared in the early 2010s. The goal was to accommodate more children at the start and end of the day. These micro-crèches are exclusively managed by private companies. The rates are not framed by the CAF, but fixed by the companies, under a ceiling of 10 euros per hour. They are generally much higher than those imposed by CAF on traditional crèches.
What are the reproaches made to micro-crèches?
The first criticism is that of the lack of social diversity. Dues often exceed a thousand euros, only well-to-do families can enroll their children there.
The second reproach is that of poorer reception conditions. The PAJE benefit, for the moment, from an exemption allowing them to operate, during the first hours of the day, with a reduced workforce. A single professional can supervise up to three children. This allows micro-crèches to be open over a longer time slot.
READ ALSOFraud: two out of three micro-nurseries called to orderWhile this is convenient for many families, it also puts children at greater risk. Last year, an 11-month-old girl died in a micro-nursery in Lyon, probably killed by an employee who was working alone at the time.
Following this tragedy, the government decided that at least two professionals must be present from the first child welcomed. The measure is part of the quality of reception plan unveiled in June by the government. It is not yet known when it will come into force. But this new constraint will in itself shake up the economic model of micro-crèches.
What exactly did the minister ask of Igas and IGF?
The engagement letter, to which Point has had access, stipulates that the Igas and the IGF must “propose any way of improving the model of the PAJE micro-crèches, able to guarantee the quality of the reception reserved for the children”. However, the inspectors must not neglect the principle of equity in their study: “Geographical and financial accessibility of the offer to families is structurally at the heart of the concerns that guide them. »
READ ALSOAn alert report on the quality of reception and the risks of mistreatment in nurseries“All hypotheses for the evolution of the financing and control model must be assessed. In particular, a reform of the CMG might be explored, ”specifies the text further. The free choice of childcare supplement (CMG) refers to the allowance that families can receive from the CAF when they opt for a PAJE microcrèche.
Clearly, the inspectors will have to determine the burden on public finances of better support by the State for micro-crèche tariffs. They will also have to propose other co-financiers of the system, etc.
Why the report’s findings might shake up the industry
These crèches represent a good seventh of the total number of childcare places in France. The early childhood sector is already suffering from a lack of around 10,000 professionals, according to a study by the National Family Allowance Fund published in July 2022.
READ ALSOIle-de-France: crèches in shortage of staffThe government has set itself the objective of opening 100,000 crèche places by 2027. And 100,000 more by 2030. The reduction in the supply of childcare from private groups n would not help the situation.
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